Designated Survivor: Season 1, Episode 1 - Pilot (2016)

The episode opens with a scene in the White House where President Alan Richmond is preparing for the State of the Union address. He is surrounded by his senior staff, including Chief of Staff, and they discuss the importance of the speech. Among the attendees is Tom Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who is portrayed as a somewhat overlooked member of the cabinet. He is shown to be a family man, with a loving relationship with his wife, Alex, and their children.

As the State of the Union begins, the camera cuts to the Capitol building where the President is delivering his speech. The atmosphere is tense, filled with anticipation. Suddenly, an explosion rocks the Capitol, and chaos ensues. The screen fills with scenes of panic as people flee the building. The camera captures the horror on the faces of those present, including the members of Congress and the security personnel.

In the aftermath of the explosion, it is revealed that a coordinated attack has taken place, resulting in the deaths of the President and most of the cabinet members. Tom Kirkman, who was designated as the "designated survivor," is taken to a secure location. He is confused and in shock, grappling with the sudden loss of his colleagues and the weight of the situation.

Kirkman is quickly thrust into the role of acting President. He is briefed by his security team and the remaining staff, who are scrambling to assess the situation and maintain order. The gravity of the moment weighs heavily on him as he realizes he must now lead the country through a crisis. His internal struggle is palpable; he feels unprepared and overwhelmed by the responsibility that has been thrust upon him.

As Kirkman begins to navigate his new role, he faces immediate challenges. He is confronted by the media, who are eager for answers. He delivers a brief statement, trying to project strength and stability, but his uncertainty is evident. The pressure mounts as he is urged to make decisions regarding national security and the investigation into the attack.

Meanwhile, the FBI is working to uncover the details of the bombing. They discover that the attack was not just a random act of terrorism but part of a larger conspiracy. This revelation adds urgency to Kirkman's need to act decisively. He is advised to appoint a new Vice President, and he struggles with the implications of this choice, knowing it could affect his administration's stability.

Kirkman also faces pushback from some members of Congress who question his legitimacy as President. He must navigate political alliances and rivalries while trying to establish his authority. His relationship with his wife, Alex, becomes strained as she worries about his safety and the toll the situation is taking on their family.

As the episode progresses, Kirkman makes a pivotal decision to address the nation again, this time with a more personal touch. He speaks from the heart, sharing his grief and determination to lead the country through this dark time. His sincerity resonates with the public, and he begins to gain some support.

The episode culminates in a tense moment when Kirkman receives intelligence about a potential second attack. He must decide whether to act on this information, risking further chaos, or to wait for more confirmation. The weight of the decision is heavy, and he grapples with the implications of his choice for the safety of the nation.

In the final moments, Kirkman chooses to act, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the country. The episode ends with a sense of uncertainty and tension, setting the stage for the challenges he will face as the new President. The screen fades to black, leaving viewers eager to see how Kirkman will navigate the complexities of his new role in the episodes to come.

In the ending of "Designated Survivor," Season 1, Episode 1 ("Pilot"), Tom Kirkman, the designated survivor, is thrust into the role of President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union address kills everyone in the line of succession. As he grapples with the enormity of his new responsibilities, he faces immediate challenges, including a national security crisis and the need to address the nation. The episode concludes with Kirkman delivering a speech to the American people, asserting his commitment to lead and protect the country, while also revealing his vulnerability and uncertainty about the future.

Expanding on the ending in a chronological and narrative fashion:

As the episode nears its conclusion, the camera shifts to Tom Kirkman, who is still reeling from the shocking events that have unfolded. The Capitol has been devastated, and the nation is in chaos. Kirkman, who was previously the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is now the President, a position he never sought or prepared for. His internal conflict is palpable; he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders, grappling with the loss of his colleagues and the sudden thrust into leadership.

In the Oval Office, Kirkman is surrounded by a small group of advisors, including his Chief of Staff, Aaron Shore, and his wife, Alex. They discuss the immediate threats facing the nation, including the need to respond to the attack. Kirkman's face reflects a mix of determination and fear as he realizes the gravity of the decisions he must make. He is not just a figurehead; he is now responsible for the safety and security of millions.

As the clock ticks down, Kirkman prepares to address the nation. The scene shifts to the press room, where reporters are clamoring for answers. The tension is thick, and the stakes are high. Kirkman steps up to the podium, his hands slightly trembling as he grips the edges. The camera captures the anxious expressions of his staff and the press, highlighting the uncertainty of the moment.

In his speech, Kirkman acknowledges the tragedy that has befallen the country, expressing his sorrow for the loss of life and the uncertainty that lies ahead. He speaks with sincerity, his voice steadying as he emphasizes the resilience of the American people. He pledges to find those responsible for the attack and to protect the nation at all costs. The emotional weight of his words resonates, revealing his deep sense of duty and the burden of leadership he never anticipated.

As he concludes his address, the camera pans to the faces of his family and staff, capturing their pride and concern. Kirkman's resolve is evident; he is determined to rise to the occasion, despite his fears. The episode ends with a close-up of Kirkman, his expression a mix of determination and vulnerability, as he steps into his new role, fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

In this pivotal moment, the fate of each main character is intertwined with Kirkman's journey. Aaron Shore stands by his side, ready to support him as Chief of Staff, while Alex Kirkman embodies the emotional anchor for Tom, representing the personal stakes involved in his new position. The episode closes, leaving viewers with a sense of uncertainty about the future, but also a glimmer of hope as Kirkman embraces his role as the leader of the free world.

In the pilot episode of "Designated Survivor," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with a dramatic and tense moment as Tom Kirkman, played by Kiefer Sutherland, grapples with the enormity of his new role as President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union address. The focus remains on the immediate aftermath of the attack and Kirkman's internal struggle, setting the stage for the series without any additional scenes after the credits.

Tom Kirkman, played by Kiefer Sutherland, is the main character introduced in the pilot episode. He is the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, a low-ranking cabinet member who is unexpectedly thrust into the role of President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union address kills everyone above him in the presidential line of succession. Throughout the episode, Tom grapples with the shock of his new responsibilities and the weight of leadership, showcasing his internal conflict and determination to protect the nation.

The triggering event is a devastating terrorist attack during the State of the Union address, where a bomb explodes in the Capitol building, killing the President, Vice President, and most of the cabinet members. This catastrophic event leaves Tom Kirkman as the 'designated survivor,' the only surviving member of the presidential line of succession, forcing him into a position of power he never anticipated.

Tom Kirkman initially reacts with disbelief and shock upon learning about the attack and the loss of his colleagues. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and fear, questioning whether he is capable of leading the country in such a crisis. His emotional state is further complicated by the pressure from the media and the military, as he tries to find his footing while dealing with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

In the pilot episode, Tom faces significant challenges from other government officials, particularly from the Chief of Staff, who is skeptical of his ability to lead. He also encounters pressure from the military, especially from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who are eager to respond to the attack with force. Tom's lack of experience in high-stakes political situations creates tension as he tries to assert his authority and make decisions that will impact national security.

Hannah Wells, played by Italia Ricci, is introduced as an FBI agent investigating the terrorist attack. Her character is significant as she represents the law enforcement perspective and the urgency to uncover the truth behind the attack. Throughout the pilot, Hannah is driven by a strong sense of duty and determination to find those responsible, showcasing her resilience and intelligence. Her investigation becomes a parallel narrative to Tom's political struggles, highlighting the complexities of dealing with terrorism and governance.

"Designated Survivor," Season 1, Episode 1, titled "Pilot," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence and Terrorism: The episode opens with a catastrophic attack on the Capitol during the State of the Union address, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. This scene may be distressing due to its graphic nature and the implications of terrorism.

2. Death and Grief: The aftermath of the attack involves characters dealing with the sudden loss of loved ones, which can evoke strong emotions related to grief and trauma.

3. Political Tension: The show explores themes of political intrigue and the weight of leadership during a crisis, which may be complex and intense for younger viewers to fully grasp.

4. Emotional Distress: Characters experience high levels of stress, fear, and anxiety as they navigate the chaos following the attack, which may be unsettling for sensitive viewers.

5. Mature Themes: The episode touches on themes of power, responsibility, and the moral dilemmas faced by leaders in times of crisis, which may be more suitable for older audiences.

These elements contribute to a tone that is serious and dramatic, which may not be appropriate for all viewers, particularly younger children.